A Nonlinear and Failure Numerical Calculation Method for Vessel Preservation Simulations Based on Subarachnoid Space Structure Considerations

The objective of this paper is to propose a numerical calculation method for vessel preservation simulations to help brain surgeons in training techniques. Recently, neurosurgery simulators have been recognized as an effective training tool for surgical techniques. Vessel preservation is an important neurosurgical technique. Brain vessels are nonlinear and they are confined by arachnoid trabeculae in the subarachnoid space. Proper tension forces acting on the arachnoid trabeculae are important for vessel preservation, however, the subarachnoid space structure has not been considered in previous studies. Accordingly, to develop a vessel preservation simulation, a nonlinear and failure numerical calculation method of the vessel is proposed. The proposed numerical calculation method is verified by comparing the simulated results with the experimental results obtained from a vessel failure test. To simulate the effects of the arachnoid trabeculae in the vessel preservation process, a simplified geometrical model of the subarachnoid space is introduced and used in conjunction with the proposed method. Simulations show that displacement and retraction velocity are surmised as criteria for successful vessel preservation and they are helpful for the training of neurosurgeons and the improvement of their vessel preservation skills.